Kashgar Bazaar
Kashgar Bazaar
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This thriving bazaar hosts traders from all over Central Asia.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.0
91 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
27
Average
27
Poor
8
Terrible
1
islandster
Kyoto, Japan50 contributions
If you are looking for souvenirs, the International Market is not the place. (That’s the huge pavilion where the famous Sunday Bazaar takes place. Actually, it’s not really a “Sunday Bazaar” because it opens every day of the week…)
Watch out especially for Apandi Handicraft Shop, the biggest souvenir shop inside the pavilion. They have a record of passing off second-rate products at ridiculous prices. They might say something like “Since you are my friend I will give you a friendly price of 1000 yuan. I do not like the Chinese so I always sell it to them for an unfriendly price of 2000.”
Know that you are paying at least five times more than at other honest shops if you buy it for 1000.
From my experience, I would say that there are more cheaters among Uyghur shopkeepers and taxi-drivers than among those you find in India.
Watch out especially for Apandi Handicraft Shop, the biggest souvenir shop inside the pavilion. They have a record of passing off second-rate products at ridiculous prices. They might say something like “Since you are my friend I will give you a friendly price of 1000 yuan. I do not like the Chinese so I always sell it to them for an unfriendly price of 2000.”
Know that you are paying at least five times more than at other honest shops if you buy it for 1000.
From my experience, I would say that there are more cheaters among Uyghur shopkeepers and taxi-drivers than among those you find in India.
Written 4 August 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where Is The World
Grande Prairie, Canada893 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
The Kashgar Bazaar is so many things. A few words I'd use to explain it are: huge, busy, crowded, crazy, amazing, chaotic, hot, sweaty, interesting, loud, diverse, colourful, vibrant....
This is by far the most congested bazaar I've ever been to. There is an amazing array of things for sale. You find the standard fare of pashminas, cheap knock-off clothing, shoes, fruits and vegetables, spices (and the like) but you can also find items here that you'll never see anywhere else. Some of the stalls are organized by the type of good sold but mostly the stall organization is little short of chaos and anarchy with situations like tools being sold next to fruit, next to baby clothes, next to spices.
Much like the population of Kashgar, there is an incredible diversity of vendors and customers alike. The majority of people in the market are locals going about their everyday lives with tourists, especially western tourists, sticking out like sore thumbs.
When you visit here, I have a few suggestions.
Firstly, be prepared to be constantly bumped, rubbed, squeezed, and touched by strangers. There are so many people! The lanes between stalls get jam packed with customers and delivery motorcycles trying to go about their business. If you suffer from claustrophobic feelings, be very prepared.
Secondly, keep your valuables (mobile, passport, wallet, money, camera, etc.) well secured. I didn't personally have a problem but apparently pickpockets are very active in the bazaar. Keep a small amount of yuan available in an easily accessible place for small purchases you might make and the rest of your valuables in a safe place.
Thirdly, take your time. With the masses of people crammed into the bazaar, you cannot get anywhere fast. If you try to hurry you'll quickly get frustrated because it's impossible.
Fourthly, you're probably a bit outside of your comfort zone already. Why not try something new while you're in the bazaar.
For some people a short visit to the bazaar will be enough. Others may opt to spend the entire day there. Just remember, it's ok to pop in for a bit, claw your way out for some air and personal space, and then to dive back in once you've gotten your nerve back.
I didn't personally visit them, but apparently the public toilets are disgusting so keep that in mind during your time at the bazaar. Also bring along some toilet paper as I'd guess there won't be any available.
Sunday is the busiest day in the bazaar because the fringes get filled with extra vendors that come in for the day and extra customers who do the same.
Best of luck in the bazaar.
This is by far the most congested bazaar I've ever been to. There is an amazing array of things for sale. You find the standard fare of pashminas, cheap knock-off clothing, shoes, fruits and vegetables, spices (and the like) but you can also find items here that you'll never see anywhere else. Some of the stalls are organized by the type of good sold but mostly the stall organization is little short of chaos and anarchy with situations like tools being sold next to fruit, next to baby clothes, next to spices.
Much like the population of Kashgar, there is an incredible diversity of vendors and customers alike. The majority of people in the market are locals going about their everyday lives with tourists, especially western tourists, sticking out like sore thumbs.
When you visit here, I have a few suggestions.
Firstly, be prepared to be constantly bumped, rubbed, squeezed, and touched by strangers. There are so many people! The lanes between stalls get jam packed with customers and delivery motorcycles trying to go about their business. If you suffer from claustrophobic feelings, be very prepared.
Secondly, keep your valuables (mobile, passport, wallet, money, camera, etc.) well secured. I didn't personally have a problem but apparently pickpockets are very active in the bazaar. Keep a small amount of yuan available in an easily accessible place for small purchases you might make and the rest of your valuables in a safe place.
Thirdly, take your time. With the masses of people crammed into the bazaar, you cannot get anywhere fast. If you try to hurry you'll quickly get frustrated because it's impossible.
Fourthly, you're probably a bit outside of your comfort zone already. Why not try something new while you're in the bazaar.
For some people a short visit to the bazaar will be enough. Others may opt to spend the entire day there. Just remember, it's ok to pop in for a bit, claw your way out for some air and personal space, and then to dive back in once you've gotten your nerve back.
I didn't personally visit them, but apparently the public toilets are disgusting so keep that in mind during your time at the bazaar. Also bring along some toilet paper as I'd guess there won't be any available.
Sunday is the busiest day in the bazaar because the fringes get filled with extra vendors that come in for the day and extra customers who do the same.
Best of luck in the bazaar.
Written 27 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jandSydney
sydney7 contributions
Sept 2012 • Friends
I've just returned from a most memorable travel experience in Xingjiang and Gansu. Six 'mature' friends and I, all experienced travellers, researched where we wanted to go and things to do, and then contacted Old Road Tours which is a Kashgar based tour company run by Uyghur brothers. We discovered this company via an excellent review that appeared in The Australian newspaper this year. Their response to my enquiry was immediate, all communications easy and all our plans were accommodated at a very reasonable cost. Through the professionalism, friendliness and flexibility of the guides from this company who speak excellent English we were able to experience these fascinating regions and develop some understanding of the local cultures, which was especially the case the further west we went. The drivers and modes of transport were excellent. It is possible to travel with this great company on many levels of comfort from the usual to real adventure. We chose bazaars, markets, villages, local food (yum!), a trip over the stunning Karakorum Highway to Tashkurgan via picturesque Karakul Lake, Turpan, Hotan, Dunhuang Caves, to name just a few. Our trip was a fleeting two weeks but has left us with a deep sense of satisfaction. If you have any interest in the Silk Road this is the region to visit and this is the company to choose. If you want to bike ride across the Pamirs (!) this is also the company for you. They'll give you a travel experience that is authentic in a region they know and love.
Written 7 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tumbuna
Sydney, Australia337 contributions
This building is one big tourist tack shop. The authentic Uyger selling occurs outside this market and in the streets across from the mosque. Unless you want tacky souvenirs give this a miss.
Written 20 June 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael C
Portland, ME321 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Okay, here is the deal: Do you **like** bazaars? If you *don't* then you will not like this bazaar. If you *do* enjoy bazaars-- the hustle, bustle, crowds, noise, chaos, etc, then you *will* enjoy this bazaar. Reading through some of the other reviews, I am baffled by people who complain about the Kashgar bazaar when their fundamental issue is that...its a bazaar and they don't like bazaars!
The Kashgar bazaar is remarkable. It's crowded, it's noisy. It's very colorful. It's huge. There is an enormous array of things available for sale. The very few public toilets (located generally above street level) are vile. The sellers tend to be friendly. There is little to no English. Mandarin generally works fine. There is an incredible blend of customers-- locals (the largest group) and tourists, people from various neighboring nations, and semi locals (Tajiks, for example, who live nearby). The kids are a riot. You cannot find everything, but you will see things you haven't seen elsewhere: the peacock pattern so common in Kashgar on skirts, dresses, umbrellas, bolts of cloth, fans, and more. Toys and gadgets you don't see in the rest of China. Lots of spices (an opportunity to get the black tea (which is Hei cha, not hong cha), cardamon, dried flowers, goji berries and saffron that put together make the local Saffron Tea. It's a great place to stroll (or squeeze) and look at the people and stuff. We spent hours there until we (and the bazaar were running out of steam, in the mid-afternoon. It's fine to go for half an hour or an hour, just to get a feel for what it's like, or you can make it the day's adventure-- we spent more than four hours there, nearly five in fact, and it was great. We spent more than half an hour just looking at the vegetables.
Remember these things though: make sure your wallet and passport are in an inner, secured, pocket. Keep some loose kuai handy in outer pockets, but not so much you would be overly sad if it got nicked. Stay hydrated-- if it's hot, you should be drinking pretty constantly. That may (or may not-- it depends how well you sweat) mean a trip or two to the yucky bathroom. That's still better than risking dehydration. Eat only well-cooked food from clean-looking stands or from nearby outside restaurants, or packaged food (potato chips and the like.) Smile a lot, and you'll get smiles in return. Don't be in a hurry-- the lanes are too narrow and the people too numerous for hurrying.
Again-- if you like bazaars, this is a must see, and if you hate crowds, noise, tumult and commerce, then stay far away.
The Kashgar bazaar is remarkable. It's crowded, it's noisy. It's very colorful. It's huge. There is an enormous array of things available for sale. The very few public toilets (located generally above street level) are vile. The sellers tend to be friendly. There is little to no English. Mandarin generally works fine. There is an incredible blend of customers-- locals (the largest group) and tourists, people from various neighboring nations, and semi locals (Tajiks, for example, who live nearby). The kids are a riot. You cannot find everything, but you will see things you haven't seen elsewhere: the peacock pattern so common in Kashgar on skirts, dresses, umbrellas, bolts of cloth, fans, and more. Toys and gadgets you don't see in the rest of China. Lots of spices (an opportunity to get the black tea (which is Hei cha, not hong cha), cardamon, dried flowers, goji berries and saffron that put together make the local Saffron Tea. It's a great place to stroll (or squeeze) and look at the people and stuff. We spent hours there until we (and the bazaar were running out of steam, in the mid-afternoon. It's fine to go for half an hour or an hour, just to get a feel for what it's like, or you can make it the day's adventure-- we spent more than four hours there, nearly five in fact, and it was great. We spent more than half an hour just looking at the vegetables.
Remember these things though: make sure your wallet and passport are in an inner, secured, pocket. Keep some loose kuai handy in outer pockets, but not so much you would be overly sad if it got nicked. Stay hydrated-- if it's hot, you should be drinking pretty constantly. That may (or may not-- it depends how well you sweat) mean a trip or two to the yucky bathroom. That's still better than risking dehydration. Eat only well-cooked food from clean-looking stands or from nearby outside restaurants, or packaged food (potato chips and the like.) Smile a lot, and you'll get smiles in return. Don't be in a hurry-- the lanes are too narrow and the people too numerous for hurrying.
Again-- if you like bazaars, this is a must see, and if you hate crowds, noise, tumult and commerce, then stay far away.
Written 26 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elvisablimit
Kashgar, China13 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Kashgar Sunday Market
Kashgar,the “pivot ” of Central Asia, has been above all else one of the largest international markets ever to dominate trade route for so many centuries. Strategically located at the meeting point of the principal routes of the Old Silk Road.the life of peoples,goods,cultures and religions.
Today, as in the previous thousand years, its markets attract traders from central China, as well as from neihgbouring countries to the west and south. The commercial life of the Kashgar Oasis extends back to even earlier times, but those centres that were once bustling with merchants in the early centuries of the Christian era have now vanished,leaving only vestiges of decaying Buddhist monuments. While Kashgar is still appreciated throughout Xinjiang and the entire Central Asian region for its abundant agricultural produce,especially cotton,wheat, maize and sultanas,as well as local woven cloths and caps,and finely crafted knives and metal wares,the city’s true wealth depends on trade.
Functioning as a land-bound entrepot, Kashgar’s markets are famous for the valuable goods imported from outside the Tarim Basin,such as finely woven silk from central and eastern China,carpets from Afghanistan and Turkmenistan and the skins from Central Asia.
The principal market of Kashgar was originally located in the square in front of the Idkah Mosque in the middle of the old city.As observed by European travelers, on Thursdays, or market days, it was congested with visitors, some mounted on donkeys and horses, as well as by caravans of camels and horses which bore great bales of cotton and other goods. In the summer the stalls were piled high with fruits, including peaches, apricots, mulberries, grapes, figs and melons of many varieties.
Velvet and felt caps were a speciality, especially those embroidered with coloured and silver threads or trimmed with fur. In the side streets were located the bazaars of the blacksmiths and silversmiths, and the sellers of flour and grains; numerous partridges were displayed in cages.
Animals have always played a major part in the diet,economy and trade of the Kashgar oasis. The Sunday Market is also a festive occasion in which to indulge in various Uygur delicacies, including mutton stews and meat dumplings washed down with fresh pomegranate juice.Animal parts also play an important role in traditional medicine and religious rites.it is common to see animalhorn in apothecaries and cemeteries,possibly as symbols of physical strength and endurance.
It has been said that the Sunday Market of Kashgar attracts no fewer than 100,000 traders, big and somal, rich and poor. Kashgar used to be famous for it’s ‘sleeve trading’, the merchants wore jackets with oversized sleeves in which they could hide their hands. Sellers never call out their prices, preferring to press and pull the knuckles and fingertips of the buyer in an age-old code that ruled the bidding ware between competing merchants. Today, sleeve trading has largely died out, but it continues in the animal markets of Kashgar region.
Kashgar,the “pivot ” of Central Asia, has been above all else one of the largest international markets ever to dominate trade route for so many centuries. Strategically located at the meeting point of the principal routes of the Old Silk Road.the life of peoples,goods,cultures and religions.
Today, as in the previous thousand years, its markets attract traders from central China, as well as from neihgbouring countries to the west and south. The commercial life of the Kashgar Oasis extends back to even earlier times, but those centres that were once bustling with merchants in the early centuries of the Christian era have now vanished,leaving only vestiges of decaying Buddhist monuments. While Kashgar is still appreciated throughout Xinjiang and the entire Central Asian region for its abundant agricultural produce,especially cotton,wheat, maize and sultanas,as well as local woven cloths and caps,and finely crafted knives and metal wares,the city’s true wealth depends on trade.
Functioning as a land-bound entrepot, Kashgar’s markets are famous for the valuable goods imported from outside the Tarim Basin,such as finely woven silk from central and eastern China,carpets from Afghanistan and Turkmenistan and the skins from Central Asia.
The principal market of Kashgar was originally located in the square in front of the Idkah Mosque in the middle of the old city.As observed by European travelers, on Thursdays, or market days, it was congested with visitors, some mounted on donkeys and horses, as well as by caravans of camels and horses which bore great bales of cotton and other goods. In the summer the stalls were piled high with fruits, including peaches, apricots, mulberries, grapes, figs and melons of many varieties.
Velvet and felt caps were a speciality, especially those embroidered with coloured and silver threads or trimmed with fur. In the side streets were located the bazaars of the blacksmiths and silversmiths, and the sellers of flour and grains; numerous partridges were displayed in cages.
Animals have always played a major part in the diet,economy and trade of the Kashgar oasis. The Sunday Market is also a festive occasion in which to indulge in various Uygur delicacies, including mutton stews and meat dumplings washed down with fresh pomegranate juice.Animal parts also play an important role in traditional medicine and religious rites.it is common to see animalhorn in apothecaries and cemeteries,possibly as symbols of physical strength and endurance.
It has been said that the Sunday Market of Kashgar attracts no fewer than 100,000 traders, big and somal, rich and poor. Kashgar used to be famous for it’s ‘sleeve trading’, the merchants wore jackets with oversized sleeves in which they could hide their hands. Sellers never call out their prices, preferring to press and pull the knuckles and fingertips of the buyer in an age-old code that ruled the bidding ware between competing merchants. Today, sleeve trading has largely died out, but it continues in the animal markets of Kashgar region.
Written 31 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SMH739
Islamabad, Pakistan419 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Kashgar Bazaar is a breathtaking experience and provides a glimpse into the ancient Silk Road, when Marco Polo of Venice, Ibn-e-Batuta of Morocco and other famed travelers must have stopped at this bazaar to rest or trade their goods.
The Attractions are still there although the market is in a dilapidated condition owing to the emphasis on the New Silk Road and Kashgar Economic Zone under rapid construction, which is a marvel of modern amenities and facilities.
For those of us like me, who prefer to take a peep into history and also drive a good bargain, Kashgar Bazaar is the right place, especially on a Sunday where traders from nearby locations also throng to sell their products and wares.
From exotic dry fruits to silk, furs and apparels; jewelry, earthenware utensils and copper ware, this market brings back nostalgic memories of the ancient times. Cool home made drinks of yogurt quench the thirst in summer while green tea of different flavors served in tiny bowls excite the palate.
remember to drive a hard bargain because it is part of Chinese culture to haggle and attempt to bring the price down to a fraction of that asked. In fact a good bargaining duel draws crowds and people actually applaud when the bargain is sealed which adds to the drama. Language is not a barrier since prices by the seller and buyer are quoted on a large calculator which every shopkeeper keeps in addition to the ancient abacus scale.
The Attractions are still there although the market is in a dilapidated condition owing to the emphasis on the New Silk Road and Kashgar Economic Zone under rapid construction, which is a marvel of modern amenities and facilities.
For those of us like me, who prefer to take a peep into history and also drive a good bargain, Kashgar Bazaar is the right place, especially on a Sunday where traders from nearby locations also throng to sell their products and wares.
From exotic dry fruits to silk, furs and apparels; jewelry, earthenware utensils and copper ware, this market brings back nostalgic memories of the ancient times. Cool home made drinks of yogurt quench the thirst in summer while green tea of different flavors served in tiny bowls excite the palate.
remember to drive a hard bargain because it is part of Chinese culture to haggle and attempt to bring the price down to a fraction of that asked. In fact a good bargaining duel draws crowds and people actually applaud when the bargain is sealed which adds to the drama. Language is not a barrier since prices by the seller and buyer are quoted on a large calculator which every shopkeeper keeps in addition to the ancient abacus scale.
Written 13 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
navyfenton
Melbourne, Australia257 contributions
Sept 2014 • Solo
I have been to many markets throughout Asia and this is one of the best
The produce prices fruit and the locals are very friendly. was able to sample many produce items. Also furs fabrics etc
Don't miss this exciting market
The produce prices fruit and the locals are very friendly. was able to sample many produce items. Also furs fabrics etc
Don't miss this exciting market
Written 28 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chinggisron
United States40 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
On advice of our guide we bought five Uigher knives at the Kashgar Bazaar back in the summer of 2012. She also advised that Chinese security would not allow knives even in checked baggage and told us to use Chinese post to mail the knives home. We did this. After waiting several months we asked the travel agency to trace the knives. We were informed that Chinese customs would not allow the knives to be exported from China. We had the knives diverted to a friend living in China. Knives finally arrived recently and only one knife was in the package.
Written 21 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hpizka
Kirchheim bei Munich, Germany22 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
You can find things from rarely found bronze nails to mobile phones, clothing of any (oriental) taste, carpets, home decor, shoes, even antics, souvenirs, old 78 records, old & modern cameras, etc. But best are the dried fruits, special the very small figs (delicious) & the very big nearly white figs, dried to nearly hard as stones; cut them & chew them & enjoy ! People are very friendly. Have not heard about pick-pockets. Bargaining is some kind of a sport, but let them earn something. At other markets/bazaars you might find nice food stalls. Everything is freshly made. If food is just cooked before your eyes or fried, it means the food is safe. But tasty also. As foreigner you will earn much sympathy if you will sit down & eat the same food as the local people.
Written 22 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
although it opens very early, I would not go there before 9 am.
prefered day : Sunday
Written 25 April 2019
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